2011 Moots YBB — Bike Build

2011-08-06 • SEND FEEDBACK •
Related: Moots, Moots mountain bikes, mountain biking, Shimano

My Moots YBB 26 was expertly built by Neil at Palo Alto Bicycles, a thorough guy (and encyclopedic also, with bike know-how), right down to breaking in new brake pads properly, bleeding the brakes perfectly, etc.

As built, the bike is 22.4 pounds with Shimano XTR pedals and tubeless setup, ready to ride:

• Moots 2011 YBB 26 frame (18").
• Easton EC 90 XC carbon fiber wheelset.
• Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires tubeless with Stan’s sealant.
• Fox F32 fork with remote lockout.
• Shimano XTR drivetrain and pedals.
• Moots titanium handlebar.
• Moots titanium seat post.
• King titanium water bottle cages.
• Chris King headset.
• Bontrager Affinity RXL saddle (road bike version) with titanium rails.
• Bontrager carbon fiber stem (to be replaced with Moots titanium.*

More comments follow below.

Moots YBB as built by WindInMyFace.com
Moots YBB 26" with Moots titanium seatpost and handlebar, bosses for 3rd cage
Shimano 2011 XTR with 28 X 40 front chainrings and 11-36 cassette,
Easton 2011 EC90 XC carbon fiber wheels,
Schwalbe Racing Ralph 26 X 2.25" tires (tubeless with Stan’s sealant)
Fox F32 F100 Remote Lockout fork (2011) with 1 1/8" steerer and QR15 thru axle
King titanium water bottle cages

* The out of place Bontrager carbon fiber stem is temporary because I was unsure of stem angle and length; I salvaged it and the Chris King headset from my old Trek Top Fuel. A titanium stem will replace it once I determine the appropriate stem rise and length..

Tires: tubes vs tubeless

I went tubeless with Racing Ralph 26 X 2.1" tires using Stan’s sealant. After experimenting with tire pressures, I’ve concluded that 32 psi is just about perfect for me (170 pounds not including clothing or food/water). I am delighted with the traction and comfort of tubeless.

Handlebar

I went with the Moots Ti handlebar. It offers just a tiny bit of “give”, which keeps my hands happier on longer rides.

Water bottle cages

The frame triangle easily accommodates dual water bottles. I had a 3rd bottle attachment custom-added to the bottom tube in case of really long rides.

Brakes

The Shimano XTR brakes with resin pads offers outstanding modulation.

Gearing

I geared the Moots YBB 26 with Shimano XTR 28 X 40 front crankset, and 11-36 rear. I would have liked a 26-ring, but I did not want to give up two more teeth (26 X 38). Were it feasible, I’d prefer a 28 X 42 or 28 X 44, but that is not available. I did not want the complexity of a triple chainring setup— I’ve had that on both my mountain (Merlin) and road bike and never liked the fiddly nature of 3 rings.